An Energy Audit is a vital and necessary examination of the equipment, processes, and operations within an organizational unit or department (such as factories, buildings, schools, universities, hotels, and restaurants).

Its primary objective is to identify energy-saving solutions to effectively lower the organization's energy expenses. Additionally, an Energy Audit can serve as a tool to compare the energy consumption of a particular industry unit with similar units.

Recognizing the fact that enhancing energy efficiency can yield numerous advantages for your business, some of which include:

• Consistent enhancement in production efficiency.
• Recognizing chances for cost savings through improved energy efficiency.
• The outcomes of an energy audit can serve as valuable references for your management to inform strategic business decisions.

The Comak team has created an energy audit guideline designed to assist you in discovering optimal information for identifying improvement opportunities. Our audit services offer you a comprehensive comprehension of energy consumption rates within your buildings and facilities, along with a well-defined plan of recommendations for your subsequent actions.

An environmental audit is a methodical, documented, periodic, and unbiased assessment of the activities and processes within an ongoing project. Its purpose is to ascertain the extent to which these activities and programs align with both the approved environmental management plan for that particular project and established sound environmental management practices.

Who Conducts Environmental Audits?

Environmental audits are performed by Environmental Experts registered with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in accordance with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999. These experts assess the operations of individual facilities or company-wide activities. As stipulated in the Environment (Impact Assessment and Audits) Regulations of 2003, these audits must adhere to EMCA's definition of an environmental audit and are required to be conducted annually.

What do we look for when conducting an environmental audit?

When conducting an Environmental audit, the auditor seeks to understand :

• All project-related activities, encompassing the production process and the goods or services provided.
• The auditor also considers environmental regulatory frameworks, adherence to environmental standards, environmental health and safety measures, and the sustainable utilization of natural resources.

The auditor shall specifically:

• Clearly state the audit's objective, scope, and criteria.
• Investigate all pertinent environmental laws, health and safety regulations, sustainable resource utilization practices, and applicable national and international standards.
• Confirm the extent of the proponent's compliance with the stipulations of the environmental management plan.
• Scrutinize existing project-related documentation for all infrastructure facilities and designs.
• Analyze the production process, taking into consideration raw materials, products, byproducts, and waste.
• Evaluate measures in place to handle byproducts and waste, including engaging NEMA-approved waste collectors or exploring options like industrial symbiosis.
• Assess monitoring programs, parameters, and protocols established for control and corrective actions during emergencies.
• Review records of past incidents and accidents, as well as the potential likelihood of future incidents and accidents.
• Examine how health, safety, and welfare matters pertaining to employees, local communities, and other potentially affected groups are managed.

According to Section 36 of the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007, workplaces are obligated to ensure that their premises undergo an annual audit conducted by an approved fire safety auditor.

Fire Safety Policy:

Every workplace must formulate a fire safety policy, with a summarized version of the policy displayed on-site. This policy should be reviewed periodically or annually, as specified in Section 34 of the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007.

Firefighting Team:

Each workplace is required to establish a firefighting team in accordance with Section 20-22 of the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007. The firefighting team should fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in Section 22 of the same Rules.

Training:

All employees must receive training in using fire extinguishers and basic fire safety upon hiring (Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007 Sec. 21). Regular fire safety training should be conducted for all employees.

Fire Drill Training:

A fire drill, as mandated by Section 23 of the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007, is essential. Standard fire drills should occur at least once annually, aligning with Section 23 of the Rules. These drills enhance preparedness and response during real fire or emergency situations.

Fire Exits:

Every workplace should establish and mark fire exit routes, keeping them free from obstructions. Evacuation plans should be prominently displayed where appropriate (Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007 sec. 17(4, 5)).

Fire Assembly Points:

In case of a fire emergency, all employees should gather at designated fire assembly points in accordance with Section 24 of the Fire Risk Reduction Rules of 2007.

First Aid:

All workplaces are required to provide a first aid kit and trained first aiders. The contents of the first aid kit should align with sec. 2(c) of the First Aid Rules, 1977.

At Comak, we take the lead in guiding your organization to fulfill the aforementioned fire safety audit requirements. Our services aid in complying with legal standards and enhancing workplace safety against fire-related hazards.

Medical examinations are carried out in accordance with the Medical Examinations Rules, 2005 – Section 5. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all individuals employed in occupations listed in the second schedule of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 undergo both pre-employment and regular medical assessments conducted by a designated health practitioner (DHP). These examinations should be conducted without causing any financial loss to the employees (as stated in Section 5 of the mentioned rules).

A concise report regarding the same should be submitted to the director within a span of twenty-one days, accompanied by a copy sent to the employer.

The Comak team will guide you through this procedure. We take pride in our experience and expertise, enabling us to provide you with prompt and lawful advice on all legal obligations related to the regulations mentioned above.

Regulatory Obligations:

Every occupier is mandated to facilitate a health and safety audit of the workplace at least once every 12 months, conducted by a health and safety adviser registered for this purpose by the Director of Occupational Health and Safety, in accordance with Section 10 of Legal Notice No 31 of 2004.

Key Legislation:

The central legislation pertinent to this matter is the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007, and its subsidiary regulations.

Importance of Health and Safety Audits:

Conducting Health and Safety Audits for workplaces and their associated activities is a systematic approach to periodically assess compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007. It also enables a comparison between areas that excel in health and safety management and those that require improvements.

Procedure for Occupational Health and Safety Audits:

Health and safety audits are conducted according to the code of practice for health and safety auditing. This task is carried out by a health and safety auditor approved by DOSHS. The audit findings are documented, and a report is submitted to the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety Services, as mandated by Sec. 13 (1) of Legal Notice No. 31 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 of Kenya's laws.

The team at Comak offers advisory and guidance services to facilitate full compliance with health and safety regulations and industry best practices. We work in partnership with you to ensure comprehensive adherence to the OSHA 2007 and its subsidiary legislation, fostering a substantial safety culture within the organization.